Page 122 of King Luna

Then Noah whispers something I don't expect, his breath hitching just before he comes. “A-Alpha—”

Noah’s pleading moan beside my ear makes me come so hard that my hips buck into him between heaving gasps. He doesn’t seem to notice what he just said—filling me with another burst of warm fluid without a single worry in the world, allowing himself to submit to pleasure—but I’ll never forget it.

By the time we’re in a tangled, satisfied pile of limbs, Noah melts into the sheets in a deep sleep with me.

When I wake up a second time in the afternoon, pleasure-soaked and lazy, I open my eyes to find Noah reenergized, stretching in his ceremonial gear across the room with a bounce in his step.

I thought today would be a nightmare after last night, but Noah seems happier than when we left home. It’s a relief, and at the same time, it guts me.

All this time, he just needed someone to listen to him.

I sob, pregnancy hormones getting the best of me.

Noah whips around, his eyes wide. “Oh, my poor Luna. Did you have a sad dream?”

I shake my head, reaching for him. “I’m so proud of you.”

Noah’s emotions spike with love and sadness to mirror mine. He leans over the bed to squeeze me in a tight hug. “You’re more of my hero than ever, Luna. Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Thank you for taking care of me too. I feel all refreshed and safe.”

Each slow kiss we share soothes my aching heart. Noah’s big palm behind my head makes my whole body feel protected—but I can’t help but worry about the fight.

I groan, pulling back as a wave of nausea stings my guts. “Are you feeling ready after all those triggers? Do you need to withdraw?”

Noah nuzzles my cheek. “Don’t you worry a second longer about anything except carrying this one, here.” He places my palm over our baby before layering his hot, massive hand over mine. “They could be anyone, and I can’t stand the thought that another King could make this world less survivable for them. I’m going to fight for you and that pup today, Luna. And I’m going to win.”

Chapter 26

Only two hours later, I cover my mouth over the toilet, my body shaking. I’m struggling to keep my dinner down between “morning” sickness and anxiety, fighting as hard as I can not to vomit: I know if I do, I could pass out during the fight. I’m already lightheaded enough, and I need every last bit of nutrients I can get with how rapidly Little Wolf seems to be growing.

With the death glares we’ve been getting from Alpha-domination cultists all evening, I need to look ready to be the Queen Luna, not like a puking mess. But when all I can see is Matthew slashing into Reid last night, I’m struggling to slow my raging heartbeat.

I step back from the toilet, plastering my quivering body against the bathroom wall as I steady my breath.

Okay, I don't think I'll throw up after all. Hopefully it'll be safe to change into tonight’s outfit now.

My mind blurs as I go through the motions, hoping I look acceptable enough with what energy I can afford to expend. Noah tries his best to help sort me out, braiding the last bit of my hair in case I need to hold it back.

I head to the field on shaky knees.

Despite Noah’s confidence in tonight’s competition, my stomach won’t stop flipping, forcing me to empty its contents just outside the field.

Pinning my braid behind my head, I cough into the bushes, guilt crushing me into another bout of nausea. My body shakes and sweats until it’s sure I’m empty. “Ugh,fuck...”

“Oh, Goddess, my poor Luna...” Noah kisses my clammy forehead as my head spins. He holds me tight to his chest, his heartbeat against my ear like a grounding drum. Closing my eyes, I listen in, counting each pulse until my breath settles.

As soon as the world stops spinning, Noah guides me to the nearest bench. “Rest for me, Luna. I’ll get a medic to help you.”

I sigh, waving him off. “No, I’ll ask Annika when she meets me here. You need to focus—”

“Youare my priority.” Teal, focused eyes capture my gaze. I stare back, speechless.

Noah flags down a medic without an ounce of uncertainty.

His confidence has skyrocketed. This isn’t what I was expecting at all. He’s assertive, calm, and focused, his back straight and shoulders at ease.

But I don’t smell only Alpha musk. I smell his spicy cinnamon sweetness everywhere, soothing my rocky stomach.

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